The latest trade reports reveal another month of poor markets with U.S. dairy product exports slipping 5% from the modest growth seen in April. Despite concerns for the relatively flat U.S. dairy export performance in 2024, cheese continues to impress. Here’s Progressive Dairy’s 30,000-foot view at dairy-related export categories.

With prices for all milk classes rising during June Dairy Month, milk checks for June milk production will be stronger.

As we enter July, here are some financial factors to consider, as well as opportunities for awards, scholarships and the opening of World Dairy Expo cattle show entries.

As we flip to a new month, here's a recap of the news announced last week regarding financial assistance for dairy producers facing HPAI, as well as testing and research updates. The news also highlights new versions of the FARM Program just released, grant funding for dairy initiatives, and corn and soybean planing reports.

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released its Agricultural Prices report June 28, which includes feed costs used to calculate May Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program margins and indemnity payments. May’s income over feed cost was $10.52 per hundredweight (cwt), the largest margin since November 2022.

Margins appear encouraging with the recent swell in Class III prices and improved feed costs. Cheese exports to Mexico have also been critical for U.S. dairy producers as shipments to China and Southeast Asia have slowed. Yet, with extreme weather conditions and the continued spread of avian influenza, having a strategy to manage risk is essential.

Dairy cull cows marketed through U.S. slaughter plants lowest since May 2016.

Led by New Mexico, California, Georgia, Arizona and Kansas, 16 states reduced May 2024 milk production a combined 237 million pounds compared to the same month a year ago.